Community leader gives safe haven to flood victims

Published:11:32Updated:12:30Thursday 31 December 2015

A community leader has offered a safe haven to those suffering in the wake of recent floods.

Chairman of the Batley-based Indian Muslim Welfare Society, Mohamed Mulla, released a statement which read: “The Indian Muslim Welfare Society would like to open the Al-Hikmah Centre to anyone affected by the recent floods around West Yorkshire who are in need of a warm and dry place to stay.”

And volunteers from Batley and Dewsbury once again rolled up their sleeves to help those facing the devastation.

The Al Mubarak Foundation and One Nation turned out to the heavily-hit Calderdale areas of Sowerby Bridge and Todmorden on December 28.

They helped one man dismantle his “soaked” kitchen units before clearing a home for the elderly where the water was “knee-high”.

The volunteers had previously helped families affected in Cumbria and were due to carry on with their efforts throughout this week.

Al Mubarak said: “Nobody was in a panic or angry, everyone was helping one another. Everyone was hugging each other and thanking everybody for helping.”

The World Charity Organisation also started an appeal for flood victims in Cumbria and managed to raise £5,000 in five days.

Members collected items generously donated by the mosques and community organisations in Batley.

Anyone needing a place to stay after being affected by the floods should contact Indian Muslim Welfare Society on Track Road, Batley on 01924 500555 during normal working hours, or 07738960512 at other times for information.